Nice Prestige Hardback Karate Text
Hirokazu Kanazawa's "Black Belt Karate" is a nice text, hardbound, with a strong binding. It really is a prestige format karate book. This is the type of book one purchases to read and add to their library. On this level, the book works well. Much like his "Karate Fighting Techniques" book, Kanazawa discusses certain ideas and concepts. He touches on how karate training fosters strong people who act mercifully, courageous, and who seek justice. He speaks briefly about certain techniques to give a karateka an edge in sparring or training or just in life in general.

The book really is a primer. In this case, it may seem over priced to someone just wanting to learn the basics. Basic striking points and targets are shown and briefly discussed. Stances, kicks, and punches taught as well as one-five sparring and kata. The photos are of a high quality and the layout of the book easy to read.

As a primer, however, there are cheaper alternatives and as a prestige martial arts primer there is a better version also. For a good paperback primer on karate, I suggest "Winning Karate" by Joe Jennings or the "Sabaki Method" by Ninomiya. The "Sabaki Method" is actually a great book for novice and advance practitioners. For a real nice prestige hardbound alternative or addition karate primer, "Karate: Technique and Spirit" by Nakamara. All in all, this is a nice addition to one's library, and if one is a Shotokan artist (I'm not), I imagine this is a must have.

A great book from a great master
From my point of view, Mr. Kanazawa is the greatest karate master alive. I never had the chance to see him "live" on a training course, but lots of video tapes fell into my hand throughout the years. As I love books, I always wanted to read his work, so I've chosen this one to start with. It was not a surprise for me that the book is as good as its author, professionally written and illustrated, in a high quality print.

Very Good Book
It is a very well written book with many pictures showing you proper technique. You won't become a black belt, but if you want to take a class you won't be completely lost with exercises, names of each position and general knowledge.

Kanazawa kancho the best master of shotokan
Buy this book, read it and you will understand what are the roots of karate, this book help beginners and advanced pratiquants, thank you Hirokazu, you are the best master.

Sergio

Forget about it.
Don't be fooled by the title. This book is not going to give you the knowledge of a blackbelt Shotokan karateka in twelve months. It is a good book that provides an overview of the basics that you can get elsewhere for a lot less money. Most of the stuff in the book you will pick up in a few months at a good dojo.